The CACCE Board of Directors is pleased to invite you to join us for our

2025 Staff Leadership Development Conference:

Monday - Wednesday, March 24 - 26, 2025

Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel

Chapel Hill, NC

CLICK HERE for more information and to register!

We are proud to announce that we will be awarding a total of 38 scholarships to member chambers for 2025:

• US Chamber Institute – 2 full tuition scholarships for 3^rd or 4^th Year students ONLY
• ACCE Convention – July 2025 – Philadelphia, PA – 5 scholarships at $2,000 each to be used toward registration fees and to assist with travel costs – priority given to 1^st time attendees
• CACCE 2025 Staff Leadership Development Conference – March 2025 – Chapel Hill, NC – 25 registration-only scholarships
• CACCE 2025 Annual Management Conference – October 2025 – Hilton Head Island, SC – 6 registration-only scholarships – for Chamber Executives ONLY

PLEASE NOTE – only one application per Chamber is needed since a Chamber can only be awarded one scholarship per year. Any Chamber of Commerce in North Carolina or South Carolina that is a member in good standing with CACCE is eligible to apply for a scholarship. If your Chamber would like to apply for more than one scholarship, please indicate your first choice.

First priority for scholarships will be given to Chambers with budgets of less than $500,000.

To apply for a scholarship, please CLICK HERE. The deadline to complete an application will be Friday, February 7, 2025.

Our application process is now open for the following CACCE programs:

• Communication Excellence Awards – click here for the guidelines and application
• Service Awards – click here for the application

The deadline for all applications will be Friday, February 7 by 5:00pm. If mailing an application, it must be received by February 7. More information about each award is below:

Communication Excellence Awards

These awards recognize outstanding communications efforts by our chamber members. Communications will be recognized in the following categories/areas:

• Advertising & Marketing
• Campaigns
• Electronic (to include virtual events)
• Publications

One award will be presented to the highest scoring chamber in each of the four categories above based on chamber size:

1. Under 700 members
2. Over 700 members

2025 Service Awards

CACCE will award a Certificate of Service in recognition to members upon each five years of service in the chamber industry. If you are celebrating a five-year incremental work anniversary in 2025, you may apply for this award.

Join us to hear from a CACCE Associate Member:

Wednesday, February 12 – 2:00pm

CACCE Introduction to Indus Travels

Harish Shroff, Vice President of Sales, Indus Travel

Dhruv Raval, Regional Manager of Travel, Indus Travel

Join us as we learn how Indus Travels can enhance your chamber's non-dues revenue program. If you've been curious about chamber travel or already have a program in place, join us to see how Indus Travel can take your program to the next level.

To register for this 30-minute meeting, please CLICK HERE. Once you have completed the short registration form, the system will send you the information to connect to the meeting, and you can add it to your calendar. The meeting will be recorded and shared with the membership in case you aren’t able to join us on that day.

We’d like to invite you to join us for a complimentary CACCE member webinar on the following:

Thursday, February 27 – 10:00am

New Member Onboarding

Kristin Peoples, Director of Member Relations & Engagement, Wilmington (NC) Chamber

Join us to learn and share best practices for new member onboarding, helping you create a seamless and engaging experience for your Chamber’s newest members.

To register for this meeting, please CLICK HERE. Once you have completed the short registration form, the system will send you the information to connect to the meeting, and you can add it to your calendar. The meeting will be recorded and shared with the membership in case you aren’t able to join us on that day.

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy

CICE Responds to Wind Energy Executive Orders; Calls for Energy Reform to Boost US Competitiveness

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) shares President Trump’s goal of unleashing American energy production, recognizing it as both an economic and national security imperative. Achieving this goal, however, requires energy policies that treat all forms of domestic energy production fairly and removes long-standing policy and permitting barriers that limit energy production and transmission. Click here to read more.

Convergent Nonprofit Solutions

Convergent is pleased to announce our website now has an events page! The SEDC Webinar Series Part 1 will be held February 13 on Building Workforce Solutions to Attract Talent and Drive Growth. The Comprehensive Campaign Series will be starting in February where we will be launching a twice-monthly podcast series with associated content, digital resources, and leading experts. You can register here. For our podcasts, we now have summary and transcripts! Check out our latest podcast here. We have also expanded our expertise in Metro Atlanta - click here to learn more.

Indus Travels

Unlock Non-Dues Revenue with Chamber Travel!

Chamber travel is one of the fastest-growing sources of non-dues revenue for chambers. But let’s face it—executives often wonder, “How do I make this work without upsetting local travel agents?” If you've been stuck on how to navigate potential challenges with local partnerships, we’ve got the solution! 💡 Discover how Melanie Frazer, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Halton Hills, has successfully created a partnership model that brings value to everyone involved. Together with a local travel agent, they’ve built a strategy that boosts non-dues revenue while delivering incredible travel experiences for members. Click here for more information.

Lumin Strategies

Free Training: Planning an Impactful State Capitol Visit

Join us on Thursday, February 20 at 10 a.m. EST for an engaging webinar designed to guide chamber executives through the essential steps to plan a successful trip to your state capitol. From setting clear objectives and scheduling meetings, to mastering logistics and staying flexible, this session will equip you with the tools to make your visit impactful and productive. Whether it's your first trip or you're looking to refine your approach, this webinar is your roadmap to success! Click here to register for free and get the Zoom link.

PSP Group

We’re excited to announce that we’ve renewed our 2025 CACCE Annual Partner sponsorship! We’re proud to support Chambers across the states of North and South Carolina and can’t wait to reconnect with everyone at this year’s conferences. Let’s make 2025 another successful year of collaboration and innovation! PSP Group specializes in custom publishing solutions for Chambers of Commerce, offering high quality publications and industry-leading non-dues revenue programs. Schedule a discovery call to learn if we could fit for your Chamber by Clicking Here!

Starfish Partnerships

Elevating your board’s performance is critical to the success of your chamber, and finding the right training solution is the first step. I offer A Roadmap for Board Excellence in various formats to meet your chamber’s unique needs. This 1.5–2-hour program includes an interactive activity, a brief review of Robert’s Rules of Order, and comprehensive training on governance, non-profits, board roles and responsibilities, effective board meetings, committees, and strategic planning. It’s also easier for someone like me to remind your board that they serve, not just sit on the board! The program is available in four formats: in-person with your board members; in-person for your chamber board and local non-profit boards; virtually via Zoom for $500; or digitally pre-recorded for just $125. Pricing for in-person options is determined by your location. If you’d like to learn more or purchase the digital version, you can do so here. As you plan for 2025, I’d love to help with board training and retreats, leadership program retreats and sessions, staff retreats, or even growing your chamber with the S.T.A.R. New Member Program. Feel free to reach out to me at teri@starfishpartnerships.com to discuss how I can support your chamber’s success.

Beaufort Regional Chamber

The Chamber is excited to announce that our highly anticipated 2025 State of the Community event is happening February 28 on Dataw Island! This signature event, once known as the Economic Forecast, brings together community leaders, business professionals, and local politicians to discuss key issues, share insights, and celebrate the progress of Beaufort and the surrounding region.

Destination North Myrtle Beach

The Chamber is pleased to welcome Gary Sparrow as their new Business Development & Advocacy Director.

Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber

The Chamber is pleased to welcome Reeves Racedo as their new Director of Investor Relations.

Greenwood Chamber

The Chamber will host their Women's Leadership Upstate Conference on Friday, March 21. Join us for an inspiring and empowering day which will feature dynamic workshops, exhibitor booths showcasing local businesses and organizations, and exception networking opportunities. Our keynote speaker will be the one and only Regina "Sunshine" Robinson, an acclaimed motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and advocate for women's empowerment.

Lancaster County Chamber

The Chamber's 2024-2025 Leadership Lancaster cohort marks the program's 36th class and the largest in its history, with an impressive 44 participants. The first weekend of January featured one of the most loved and anticipated events of the Leadership Lancaster program—the annual beach retreat! During the retreat, the class engaged in activities that helped them learn how to work as a team, explore how society functions at all levels, and gain valuable insights about themselves and their leadership potential.

Lexington Chamber

“Get Hooked" on the Chamber Member Blitz: The Chamber launched its first membership blitz in a decade, led by consultant Teri Smiley of Starfish Partnerships. With over 75 volunteers, the Chamber aimed to recruit 100+ new members during the three-day blitz, scheduled for January 27th-30th. Top honors were awarded to our "Master Angler" – the volunteer who secured the most new members – and the "Grand Hauler" – the volunteer who brought in the most new membership revenue.

Legislative Breakfast: The Chamber hosted its annual Legislative Breakfast, featuring Senate Majority Leader Sen. Shane Massey and Representatives Paula Rawl Calhoon and Chris Wooten. Key business priorities and upcoming legislative issues were discussed with over 85 Chamber leaders in attendance. Will Frierson of the South Carolina Chamber facilitated the discussion.

Matthews Chamber

The Chamber is thrilled to announce that we are now officially the Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce! Our new name reflects our expanding reach and renewed focus on fostering momentum, advocacy, and collaboration in the business community. This change represents more than just a name—it’s a commitment to driving progress, amplifying the voice of our members, and building strong partnerships across the entire Matthews area. Together, we’re building a future of growth, connection, and opportunity. 

North Carolina Chamber

Government Affairs Reception

February 25 I Raleigh

The NC Chamber is thrilled to host this year’s Government Affairs event again. Join us for a reception-style evening of networking with the state’s legislative leaders and decision-makers, NC Chamber leadership, and fellow guests. Attendees will have opportunities to hear from elected officials on issues crucial to the business community’s future. North Carolina legislators and legislative assistants are invited on a complimentary basis! Register here.

OneSpartanburg, Inc.

2024 By the Numbers:

• Economic Development: $745 Million in New Investment with 1,220 new jobs and 23 projects. Another $611.3 Million announced in Downtown or under construction
• Tourism Development: $32 Million Direct Spending with 85 events and 20 unique sports
• Business Development: 2,002 small businesses engaged with  $8.7 Million in small business contracts secured and 181 new jobs created
• Talent Development: 570 ReDegree Inquiries, 106 Students Re-enrolled in school, 7 graduates, and 425 work based learning opportunities

The Caldwell Chamber

The Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of two new staff members to our team:

• Indee Swanson - Director of Membership Services
• Amber Bryson - Operations Specialist

The Chamber of Catawba County

The Chamber is pleased to welcome Kim Miller as their new Finance Coordinator.

Union County Chamber

After over 11 years of remarkable leadership and service to Union County's businesses and community, Chamber President & CEO, Pat Kahle, has announced her retirement, effective June 1, 2025. Click here for a video Pat made for their membership.

Wilkes Chamber

Linda Cheek officially retired as the Chamber's President on January 31, 2025.

Wilmington Chamber

Kristin Peoples, Director of Member Relations and Engagement, was named to the ACCE 40 Under 40 list. We're super proud of her, and the work she is doing to engage and retain our members!

The Chamber’s 158^th Annual Meeting is coming up on February 6, 2025. We are excited to celebrate Jay Wileman, the recipient of the Duke Energy Lifetime Achievement in Business Award and be inspired by an uplifting keynote presentation from U.S. Olympian Johnny Quinn, guaranteed to energize you for the year ahead. We will also honor the leadership of our 2024 Board Chair, Lisa Leath, and welcome our 2025 Board Chair, Jim Hundley.

ACCE

Mark your calendars for #ACCE25 scheduled for July 22 - 25, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA. Registration is now open - click here for more information!

ACCE has scheduled its Membership & Revenue Development Conference for March 19 - 21, 2025 in Cobb County, GA. For more information and to register, please click here.

Horizon 2035: The role of chambers has never been more crucial. We are launching Horizon 2035, a year’s worth of new research and practical tools to help your chamber plan for a more effective and impactful future. This report and supporting materials outline the major influences shaping the next 10 years, which will impact not only chambers of commerce, but the businesses and communities we serve.

CACCE Disaster Fund Grants

CACCE created a Disaster Fund to assist our members in times of natural disasters. CACCE member chambers that need assistance after a natural disaster may apply for a grant from this fund if they meet the following criteria:



• The Chamber has suffered financial losses due to direct damage to their building and/or a disruption in normal operations as a result of a natural disaster;
• The Chamber is located in a county that has been declared a federal disaster area (grant applications received from chambers in a community that has not been declared a federal disaster area will be reviewed at the discretion of the CACCE Executive Committee);
• The Chamber is a current paid member of CACCE; and,
• The Chamber has at least one full-time employee.

Please CLICK HERE for the application. Contact Tiffany at tfulmer@tlfexecutiveservices.com with any questions.

IOM - Website Refresh & Summer Site Scholarships

Come check out our website refresh to see what makes Institute...Institute. Access information about scholarships and registration, get to know the people that make Institute possible, and learn more about each of our excellent sites. Plus, anything and everything Institute.

We are excited to announce that the scholarship application for the 2025 summer sites is open now! All students, both first-year and returning, are eligible to apply for Institute scholarship funds. If you plan to attend multiple summer sites in 2025 and wish to apply for scholarships at each site, please indicate this when prompted. All applicants will be notified of their application status before registration opens. The application will close at 5PM ET on February 7, 2025. Click here to apply now!

North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Grants

Application deadline: January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1, annually, for Traditional Grant inquiries and for Ribbon of Hope Grant applications

Geographic scope: North Carolina

Grant amount: Traditional Grants must be $25,000 or greater; Ribbon of Hope Grants are $50,000.

Description: The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation supports programs in North Carolina that help advance science, health, and education. The Foundation’s Traditional Grants support nonprofit organizations working to help meet the educational needs of today’s society and future generations. The focus is on providing seed funds for new and worthwhile educational programs. Supported programs should benefit a large geographical region or provide a statewide impact. The Foundation also provides support through Ribbon of Hope Grants of $50,000 for projects furthering science, health, and education in local communities in North Carolina. These grants are intended to offer organizations an opportunity to develop a pilot or new initiative or to grow and expand or enhance an existing program. CLICK HERE to learn more.

North Carolina - New Grants for Small Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Governor Josh Stein recently joined Dogwood Health Trust to announce a $30 million small business grant program to support businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene and bolster economic recovery. Small businesses with an annual revenue of up to and including $2.5 million are eligible to apply for grants up to $50,000 from the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative grant program. Click here to learn more.

Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund

Disasters are unpredictable. The critical support a business receives after one shouldn't be. To help local restaurants in these critical times of need, the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund will provide $10,000 grants to local restaurants. This includes those affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires, as well as other natural disasters, severe weather events, or major infrastructure failures. Applications for this round are open now until March 3, 2025 at 6 p.m. ET. This grant program supports restaurants impacted by eligible disasters within the last 12 months. Eligible businesses include restaurants, gastropubs, and bakeries with brick and mortar locations. Click here to learn more.